ENGINEERING COLLEGE LIBRARIES- AREAS OF APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Transcription

1 ENGINEERING COLLEGE LIBRARIES- AREAS OF APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 4.1. Introduction As the study deals with the application of Information Technology (IT) in library functions, it is necessary to understand the fundamental techniques and technologies of Information technology. Engineering college libraries are currently at various stages of advancement in the area of use of Information Technology. Today libraries are functioning under constantly changing environment and face a variety of complex challenges like information explosion, IT revolution, network evolution, shrinking library budgets, escalating prices of documents, high level user expectations, availability of information resources in diverse media and so on. IT offers a wide range of opportunities, which could provide solutions to some of these major challenges. Rapid advances in modern technologies have greatly improved the capabilities of storage, processing, retrieval, repackaging, communicating, sharing and managing the explosive growth of information effectively and economically in libraries. Use of IT in libraries has become inevitable in an era of information explosion and the emergence of wide range of new technologies in order to satisfy the changing complex information needs of user. The role of technological revolution in the last few decades has made tremendous and consistent impact on the way, in which information is processed, stored, retrieved and disseminated. The way of communication the available information from the various sources to the end users is the major challenge for the Information Scientists. 127

2 Today we are all living in the age of information. A large amount of information is being generated every moment. The ability to collect, store and disseminate this large amount of information needs application of new technologies. Information is a vital and necessary product of modern society. It grows from experience, observation, inference, interaction and cultivation of knowledge. It is intended for socio-economic development without which the present day human society cannot move. Its role is significant for the upliftment of the education, either it is general education or it is technical education. In the modern society libraries are considered both as pilots and lifeboats of the new information age; Information technology since last decade, have radically changed the prospective of the whole information systems with the emergence of computer technology in the library services and communication networks. By the application of information technology in the process of library work, the job of the library staff becomes easy, interesting, pleasurable and on the other hand new types of information like electronic books and electronic journals are going to be poured in and the process will be completed when we will have the renaissance on information technology with the advent of electronic age. Engineering college libraries should adopt a system so that its work to be monitored by the computers since the technology has created sensation in our country and a new era of data handling system is being poured in to our libraries just like the libraries of advanced countries of the world

3 4.2. Importance of Information Technology in libraries Libraries are considered to be the heart of educational institutions. These play a vital role in teaching and learning environment of the information society. Modern education expects a teacher only to initiate the students in the new vistas of the universe of knowledge, leaving to them to explore further and give final shape and totality to what has been presented already. The search begins after the close of the first phase of learning, class room lecturing. It is in the library that the second possibly the more vital phase of learning takes place. As such heavy responsibility lies on libraries to keep the candle always burning. The Engineering college library is not only the connecting link between teaching and learning, bur where students are intelligent the library can supplement from its rich resources what the class room has failed to supply. The new technologies have made a deep impact on the engineering college libraries. Now days the emphasis in libraries is shifting from collection to access. The card catalogue has been replaced by Online public Access catalogue (OPAC). The integrated library system had improved the operation of acquisition, cataloguing, periodicals and circulation departments. The trend is transmission from manual to electronic system. 2 Information Technology has changed and continues to do so both in form and substance. It is time to reevaluate service models that functioned for years. We have creatively identified new solutions to old problems and achieve results. Being prepared to manage change can furnish us with the ability to flourish. We should attempt to reestablish standards criteria or bench marks that are considered to be basic to quality library services. The potential 129

4 strength of Information Technology is being exploited for efficient, effective and cost benefit library services. 3 Engineering colleges if not the first, started application of Information Technology for all their activities. While applying Information Technology care must be taken in every step of implementation. Sudden shifting of the old system to a new one by way of applying Information Technology, may prove not only dangerous but it is sure to create several problems. Libraries must keep themselves briefed of all matters concerned with application of Information Technology for library activities to counter all problems. The entire library staff as well as users needs proper education and training in ensuring that the new system is used properly, effectively and with confidence. They must be trained locally or should be deputed to attend the training programs, workshops, conferences, exhibitions etc at national and international level. The initial training program is enough, it should be a part of a continues process. It will help the library to keep its staff abreast of the latest techniques and to impart training to the new entrants. What is considered best today become absolute tomorrow? This is true in the case of Information Technology and its applications, once the new system has been implemented, provision should be made to monitor, audit and evaluate it for refining the system. The storage and maintenance of huge information on paper documents have become extremely costly, time consuming and labour intensive. Printing itself is one of the costliest options was available for disseminating information. The explosive growth in the volume of information leading to the emergence of information technology. Because of knowledge explosion, users 130

5 have been confronted with the problems of searching and retrieving the required information in right time. 4 Communication of information in an organized manner has a great value. Communication is the soul of information. Use of technology provides better communication of data or messages in the form of records, electronic, audio or video signals by using wires, cables, telecommunication techniques. Technology plays a vital role in information handling due to developments such as reduction in computing time, capabilities of resource sharing, satellite communication facilities etc. Information Technology is one of the major tools of tomorrow to shape our society and institutions particularly our libraries as one of the most important influences in education, culture and society.our educational and cultural infrastructure must change to meet the future requirements through new and creative educational techniques. Information technology through the melding of computer technology with communications, digital imaging and full motion video and sound, can be powerful ally to improving education. In order for librarians and libraries to survive as profession and as an institution, respectively, they will need to lead their institutions in building improved information technology oriented infrastructures. The numerous evolving problems to be overcome will present further opportunities to faster improvements in information delivery, in a continuing, closed loop feedback process. New publishing techniques such as CD-ROM, multimedia interactive computer works, machine readable text files on the Internet, and collections of scanned materials stored in image and character formats are increasingly 131

6 becoming key parts to library resources. These collections are accessed and controlled through specialised retrieval software and LANs with Internet connections. The new publishing formats and systems are pushing the envelope of the library community to supply and service clientele using these new mediums. The library has become more comfortable using microcomputers, electronic bulletin boards and online services such as free net based systems. 5 Arrangements for managing and supporting information technology will take different shapes depending on the size of the library; die size of its parent institution, the institute s existing computing and communications resources and the capabilities of the library s management and staff. At minimum, desktop user support should be provided initially with in the medium of large library itself, with the goal that the majority of the problems be resolved without the need for outside specialists. This means that someone on the staff should be able to troubleshoot basic malfunctioning software and hardware. In smaller institutional settings, where libraries are very small, dependence on centrally provided services may be the only way to support information technologies. For this situation the librarian will need to be quite savvy as to how to assure that a satisfactory arrangement is provided at a fair cost. The librarian who manages the library must provide the necessary leadership to set the direction for information technology evolution in the library and have the necessary judgment to channel consultants work effectively. The investments in information technology and the redeployment of a library s 132

7 budgetary resources will determine just how successful that particular library will be in the coming years. Information Technology plays a vital role in most of our daily activities. There is hardly anyone who has not been affected or influenced by Information Technology. With each passing day, newer applications of IT are being developed which increase our interaction with and dependence on ITenabled devices. Therefore, understanding the technology and using it creatively is imperative to human progress Recent developments in engineering college libraries in the context of application Information Technology Due to developments in the area of information Technology, the academicians and administrators of engineering colleges have given considerable importance to the library and information services. As a result during a present electronic era, Information Technology is treated as resource of resources. Due to this all Engineering institutions are seriously engaged to set up electronic libraries with an objective to support the academic and extension programs in various branches of Engineering. Engineering college libraries are directly influencing by the Information Technology. The recent developments takes place in using of technologies in Engineering college Libraries such as introduction of RFID technology, Bar-Code technology, Scanners, Multimedia, Smart card,web-opac, Animation Touch Screen, Web cam, Closed circuit cameras, Video and teleconferencing, speech recognition, Internet, Closed circuit cameras, DVDs, CD-ROMs, Theft detectors, Consortia, Automated self check machines(for issue of books by 133

8 users themselves), Electronic publishing Technology and Automated book drop boxes( for return of books by users themselves without taking help of library staff), I-PROF packet e-learning, E-reader Tablets databases in various forms. It is widely accepted that technological advances always bring revolution in all disciplines and convert our dreams into reality. Similarly advances in Information and communication technology are full with solutions for day to day problems of engineering college libraries. Now all jobs involve in information processing can be done more effectively, efficiently and economically with in less possible time with the help of computers and user friendly software Application of Information Technology in engineering college Library functions The application of electronic information resources virtually has changed the functions of the Libraries from manual to digital all over the world. Under changed circumstances the libraries throughout the world provide citizens with public access to networked information. With the adopting emerging technologies, libraries seek to facilitate information retrieval more thoroughly, effectively and attractively. Revolutions in Information Technology have made a great impact on library functions and services. With the introduction of Information technology, the library services have improved speed, efficiency and effectiveness for providing right information at the right time to the right user. 134

9 Application of IT in Acquisition Use of computer in acquisition helps in selection, ordering, processing of books and other library materials. It helps in preparing subject wise budget allocations, selecting, ordering, accessioning of books. Information technology will enable libraries to make use of the same data available in different files without entering it again. Thus the use of technology will help in the following phases of acquisition: Pre-order searching, Approval Process, Issuing purchase orders and reminders, receiving and accessioning of books, invoice proceedings and payment and preparation of reports Cataloguing Online Public access Catalogues (OPAC) replaced the traditional card catalogues due to introduction of new technologies in library operations. Online catalogue has greatly enhanced the usability of catalogues; OPACs have enhanced usability over traditional card forms. The online catalogue does not need to be sorted statistically; the user can choose author, title, keyword or systematic order dramatically. Most of the online catalogues offer a search facility for any word of the title is reached even better. Many Engineering college libraries have already introduced OPAC in their libraries. Computerized catalogue helps in retrieving information about the documents in a library easily and quickly. Catalogue of holdings can be prepared easily on the computer by importing the bibliographical details of the documents from acquisition file with some additions. Once the catalogue of holdings available on the computer, the documents can be searched, retrieved and rearranged in any way as desired. It reduces the time consumed 135

10 in preparation of catalogue cards, their maintenance and thesaurus construction Classification Information technology has made the job of library classifier easier as library collection can be classified with the help of online classification schemes. It helps in the selection of isolate terms, grouping and arranging them in a hierarchical order. It saves the time and energy of classifier by avoiding reference to the schedule of scheme for classification on and often. It improves accuracy and speed in classification Circulation Circulation department is a key department in any kind of library. It provides lending services and facilitates for return of loaned items. Renewal of materials /books and payment of fines are also handled at the circulation desk. In a computerized circulation system, there is no need to maintain and issue multiple borrowers cards. Each member needs a single card with unique identification number (such as library membership number) to be used by the software to access member database and the multiple borrowing facilities is controlled by the software. In a computerized circulation system the borrower presents his library card before the counter assistant and book(s) to be borrowed. The circulation assistant puts the identity number of borrower through keyboard and activates his database record. It is the computer software, which computes the due date for return, fine and makes reservations against books. 136

11 The Engineering college libraries are using Barcode technology and RFID technology in their circulation department to render effective and efficient services to their users. The application of barcode technology in circulation section of a library is most successful due its speed, accuracy and reliability. Before introduction of barcode technology in circulation section, the database of the library holdings and library members is to be created. The holding of library is to be converted in barcodes. The barcodes for documents can be generated in house and should be pasted on each documents. The member identification number (user tickets) is also to be converted in barcodes. Library membership cards should be printed and barcodes should be pasted on them. Then the membership cards should be laminated. The system should be tested before final application. Barcode system works in much the same way a keyboard does. As pressing a key sends a signal containing a character code to the computer, reading a barcode results in the same kind of signals being sent to the processor.the barcode in effect, act as unique control number, which associated with a record giving appropriate details of individual terms. While scanning the light is reflected from the barcode and pick up the optical device receives less light from the dark bars than from the spaces between them. The signals received though these processes are then converted into a form, which can be recognized by the computer. 137

12 Fig-4.1: Bar Code Automated libraries are using Barcode technology for circulation and stock verification. Bar code technology improves the speed and efficiency in library circulation process. It helps in stock verification and helps to eliminate the errors and time saving. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It is an automatic identification technology, where radio waves are used to identify objects or people. RFID tags consist of a microchip attached to an antenna. RFID technology can solve the loss of books problem in libraries and prevents book theft. 10 The investigator personally visited all the Engineering colleges under survey and find usage of RFID technology in some of the institutions. Sri Venkateswara college of Engineering and Technology, Chittoor installed Automated Machine for self issue of books by the users without any help of library staff. The Automated machine works as if the Bank Automated Teller Machine which is using by the bank customers to withdraw the money at any time at any place. In the case of library, the user entered into the library and he can pick the book he needed.later he moves to the Automated Machine with his Smart card (Membership Card) along the book. Then the user entered the accession number of the book on the monitor of Machine. The transaction will be entered in it automatically. Then the user can leave the 138

13 library. Suppose if the user leaves the library with a book without entering the book accession number on Machine, then the RFID system will give the beep sound, the security person at the entrance of library recognized it as theft case. Fig: 4.2: Automated Self Check Machine (Self Issue of Books) The user can also return his borrowed book to the library without taking any manual help. One book drop box is fixed from the outside wall of the library (it is like a post office letters drop box). Even at the time of close of the library, the user can drop his due book in to the drop box, on the slope of the drop box a scanner was inserted to record the return transaction on the basis of book accession number. The returned book automatically removed from user s account. 139

14 Fig: 4.3: Automated book drop box (Self return counter) Serial control Information technology helps in serial management and monitoring of subsequent functions of a library. In the computerized serial management, it will be easier to track down the receipt of periodicals and non-receipt of periodicals. It helps in maintaining record of budget sanctioned and expenditure incurred for different journals and their categories. Now a day s Engineering College libraries are using the Information technology for effective management of serials. Libraries are using reminders for non delivery of journals. Acquisition of periodicals through online is a new mode for libraries. It has 5 procedures namely, information retrieving by Internet, choosing and booking, document delivery, confirming orders, and electronic payment. Comparing with traditional acquisition of periodicals, the on-line acquisition of periodicals has many advantages, such as the tremendous information, the straightness, the high efficiency and spanning time and space. 140

15 In the traditional acquisition of periodicals, librarians firstly collect the information of periodicals published by presses, then choose some periodicals and input the main items, such as the name, author, ISSN, price into a computer system of the library. Finally librarians have sent the filled orders to the publishers. But today under the networked environment Libraries online acquisition is guaranteed by technologies. Amounts of information on periodicals are provided by numerous presses on-line, what serve as the information source of on-line acquisition. Advantages of on-line acquisition of periodicals Data rich periodicals It is not necessary for the press, namely the virtual book, to prepare sufficient stocks. It can issue the data of periodicals without any restriction. Therefore the online bookstore usually can provide with rich data of periodicals. Many of the Engineering colleges under study are subscribing for national and international periodicals as per the AICTE norms High purchase ratio of periodicals In a traditional way the librarians has to make correspondence with the publishing agencies which consumes not only time but also energy. The online purchase can help the libraries to find the right periodicals for the library by different ways, such as sorts of high effective and fast search engines. Besides by means of filling the digital order form, the digital payment and automated settlement of bill amounts. It improves the efficiency of purchase greatly. The whole purchase of periodicals process merely costs a few hours. At the same time, the online company (publisher) can deliver or 141

16 post the ordered periodicals in a short time, which greatly shortens the time period in communication. As the publishers website providing with numerous information, the librarian can find out high quality periodicals by compassion, which serves as base for better selection of journals and periodicals Application of Information Technology in Stock taking There are various methods available for stock taking or stock verification. The manual methods consume more time and more staff members are to be involved. Besides chances of error is very much and some time s libraries are closed partially, if not fully. As a compelling need computers replaced the manual methods. But even with computerized stock verification the accession numbers are to be keyed into computers. This approach has the same limitations as of circulation system. When barcodes are used for this purpose, the datary is automatic, errorless and the saving the time is ensured. For barcode application in library stock verification the database of library holding should be completely updated. The already pasted barcodes inside the books should be scanned starting from the first stack to the last. After scanning the list of books not scanned should be obtained with the help of software. The list should than be matched with the issue record, binding etc. and a final list of books found missing should be prepared Information technology and library consortia Engineering college libraries need to form a consortia of all types at all levels with an objective to take advantages of global network to promote 142

17 better, faster and more cost effective ways of providing electronic information resources to the users of the library. The collective strength of consortia members facilitates the libraries to get the benefit of wider access to electronic resources at affordable cost and at the best terms and conditions. Indian Digital Library in Engineering Science and Technology (INDEST) consortium set up by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and UGC s INFONET consortium coordinated by INFLIBNET provide a seamless network of information resources. 6 The library consortia, on the bases of seer strength of number of institutions, offer healthy business growth opportunities to the electronic publishers. With this welcome change, the libraries of all over the world are forming consortia with an objective take advantage of current global network to promote better, faster and more cost effective ways of providing electronic information resources to the information seekers. A few years ago, a lot of individual networks were started in India. They were established to serve the needs of small groups of libraries. DELNET, ERNET, SIRNET, CALIBNET and MALIBNET are some of the popular networks. These networks and data base communication technologies helped library and information connected organizations to form E-resource consortiums to share information on low cost. By using Information technology it is better to form a consortium for engineering colleges at local level and this consortium can be hooked to INDEST in future if it is necessary. In higher education UGC funded INFLIBNET is a popular network. 143

18 4.5.1 Current scenario of Library Consortia in Abroad During the last couple decades the formation library consortia has shown steadily growth due to the developments in Information technology. 11 Consortia are no more restricted to the developed countries, they are coming into in Africa and Asia as well. Brief description of some of the leading consortia of the world is given below. The number academic and non-academic library consortia are in hundred in the United States. Some of the leading names are 1. Ohio-LINK (a consortium of 84 Ohio Universities, colleges and state of library of Ohio) : 2. Texshare (a consortium of 700 Texas academic, public and medical libraries : 3. SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resource Coalition) in Canada: 4. ARL (Association of Research Libraries) : 5. VIVA (Virtual Library of Virginia. Besides the United states a number of efforts in the formation library consortia are being made throughout the world Indian Scene Many efforts have taken place in India specially in the area of formation of networks mainly due to the drastic changes in the functioning of the libraries and also the fact that resources crunch in these libraries forced them to resort to some sort of cooperation. As a result library networks came into existence, such as CALIBNET, DELNET, MALIBNET and INFLIBNET. Many of the Engineering colleges are willing to join as member in INDEST consortium. 144

19 ) INDEST INDEST is one of the successful example of consortia formation in India. It was conceived as a strategic cooperation called the Indian National Digital Library in Engineering Science and Technology based on the five project proposals submitted to three major Ministries of the Government of India, namely Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Ministry of Information Technology(MIT) and the Department of Biotechnology(DOB). INDEST is a fully functional consortium since 2003 and the funds for its operation are being provided by the MHRD. INDEST is a three level structure. The level 1 comprises of seven Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The level 2 comprised of the National Institutes of Technology and other institutes funded by the MHRD. The individual libraries came under level 3.For information on INDEST website may be visited. The following are some of the bibliographic databases available to number of libraries from INDEST consortium. 7 Full Text Data bases 1. Elsevier s Science Direct 2. ACM digital library 3. IEL online 4. Springer Verlag journals 5. Emerald Complete 6. ABI/Inform 7. Ebscohost 145

20 8. ASCE journals 9. ASME journals 10. Nature online Bibliographic Databases 1. Chemical Abstract Service 2. MathScinet 3. Inspec 4. Compendex ) UGC Info net E-Journal Consortium This consortium has been the joint effort of University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Information Technology. The executing agency of this consortium is the INFLIBNET centre. IN the first phase 50 universities have been selected where proper information and communication facilities shall be developed. These libraries will have access to the E-resources being made available under this program. At present the following resources are available to UBC user. Bibliographic Databases 1. Chemical Abstracts service 2. Biological Abstracts 3. Royal Society of Chemistry Full Text Databases 1. American Chemical Society 2. Royal Society of Chemistry 146

21 3. American Physical 4. Institute of physics 5. American Institute of Physics 6. Cambridge University Press 7. Project Muse 8. J-store 9. Kluwer journals 10. Springer journals 11. Emerald 12. Nature 13. Science online 14. Encyclopeadia Britannica 15. Elseveir Science ) National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) and Nationwide Network The main objective of NPTEL program is to enhance the quality of Engineering Education in the country by developing curriculum based video and web courses. This being carried out by 7 Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The NPTEL is evolving to provide learning materials, digitally used classroom lectures, supplementary materials and links to state of the Art research materials in subject possible. Approximately 140 courses are in various stages of preparation and distribution through Internet. All the faculty members are personally involved in the making their respective course in the electronic form

22 The National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a project funded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development was first conceived in 1999 to pave the way for introducing multimedia and web technology to enhance learning of basic science and engineering concepts. Significant infrastructure has been set up earlier for production of video based teaching material by the Institutes of Technology and Indian Institute of Science. The operational aim of NPTEL is to make high quality learning material available to students of Engineering Institutions across the country by exploiting the advances in Information Technology. The educational goals i. Make video lectures in format appropriate for broadcasting that would provide quality content through the technology channel named the Ekalavya Chaneel in recognition of the first student of the distance education named in the Great Indian epic Mahabharata. ii. Create web based (e-learning) material and make it available in the form of a portal /DVDs that would be tailored to meet the needs of Engineering students across the country. iii. iv. Create a website for NPTEL activity. Make E-learning material available in the Web for the video lectures to supplement class room teaching v. Advise target institutions with regard to the software /hardware requirements for benefiting from the NETEL. The NPTEL is offering multimedia courses in technology assisted modes has not only become invaluable for learner, but also an attractive and 148

23 creative opinion for faculty. Such courses have the potential to enhance the on and off campus learning experience for students and in distance learning mode. Technology opens up several interesting avenues for innovation in design and delivery of courses as also sharing expertise among faculty in different parts of the world. In India where a large number of private institutions have entered the field of engineering education with inadequate faculty support and training, the project is aimed at providing a standard for academic content for both the teacher and student in India ). N-LIST Consortia National Library and Information services Infrastructure for Scholarly Content (N-LIST), an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development Under the Mission on Education through ICT which launched in May 2010with multifold objectives is receiving a good response as seen from the number of subscribers it has got in a year. This N-LIST consortia facilitates access to students, Research scholars and faculty from colleges through proxy servers. It provides scholarly information in the E-format at discounted rates. So far 1960 universities, technical institutions and colleges registered as subscribers to the project. Log-in IDs and passwords have been issued to more than 12 lakh faculty members, students, research scholars after obtaining the list of authorized users from registered colleges. 9 These users can have access to nearly 2100 e-journals published in the United States, the United Kingdom and India, and e-books, also 149

24 from the same countries. In addition to the e-journals and e-books, the two consortiums, namely the UGC-InfoNet and INDEST are jointly responsible for providing access to the UGC-Infonet e-resources to technical institutions,especially Engineering colleges Latest advances in Information Technology It is widely accepted fact that technological advances always bring revolution in all disciplines and convert our dreams into reality. Similarly advances in Information Technology are full with solutions for day to day problems of engineering college libraries. Now all jobs involve in information processing can be done more effectively, efficiently and economically with in less possible time with the help of computers and user friendly software. Besides this compact Discs or electronic media is an excellent solution for storage or space problems of libraries which solve not only the space or storage problem but also capable to make information accessible anywhere and anytime Iprof Packet E-learning book Technology has enhanced the way we live our lives today. It has more relevant in today s educational environment than ever before; rather its steadily replacing rote learning. Capitalizing on the best mobile technology available, Iprof now takes you to the future of education. Imagine getting your lectures from the most renowned faculties in the country, imagine having the flexibility to study from wherever you are and at any time of the day or night, imagine not restricting yourself to classrooms and inflexible timings. 150

25 Iprof is a special personal educational tablet with 7 inches monitor. It appears just like a mobile phone screen. It is having touch screen technology and 8 GB memory with 350 grams weight. IProf offers test preparatory content for entrance examinations. From Engineering to medical, civil services to management, Iprof content is available in multiple formats like lectures in 2D and 3D animations, E-book and practice tests. Anyone can simply access content on any Android powered tablet. 10 With today s youth being more comfortable with technology, Iprof is needed the best solution to provide quality content to overcome the time constraints and geographical barriers Wink XTS e-reader book This is a book about a book that will change the way you read a book. Bangalore based EC Media International has announced the release of its e- reader tablet during the month of October This Wink E-reader book is having storage capacity of more than 2 lakh titles from inked content with publishing houses such as Harper Collins, Oxford University Press and Penguin. The Wink 3G will cost RS This E-reader supports up to 15 Indian modern languages. It has a 6 inch, 16 level gray scale e-ink display at 800x 600 resolution, 400 MHZ ARM M9 2GB onboard memory, Wifi, Micro SIM card slot and GPRS, 3.5 mm, USB 2.0, audo-video playback support. Upcoming models include a 5 inch device named the wink XTR, and a 9 inch touch screen device called Wink 3G+. Now a days most of the students and faculty members are purchasing and using this type of E-readers in India and Abroad

26 Multimedia Technology Multimedia are the technologies that facilitates the integration of two or more types of media such as text, graphics, sound, voice, full motion video or animation into a computer based application. It is collection of multi-sensory presentation of technologies combined through a common user interface into an information delivery system. The presentation data types includes text, images, graphics, audio, animation and video. The user interface is a computer based system that might consist of CD-ROM discs or DVDs and customized graphical display, hardware for data compression, decompression, acceleration and translation. It allows the user to browse and navigate quickly any type of complex information and is immensely helpful in process and learning. The multimedia technology is most essential to the Engineering institutions in order to cope up with ever changing methods of information acquisition and dissemination Information Technology as a tool for politicians Advances in Information Technology sector have influenced all sections of society, except for players in political arena where only a handful of leaders are seen as tech-savvy. But the day is not far when it become mandatory for politicians of all hues to leverage emerging technologies for the good their constituents to stay ahead in the competition. Keeping in view the technology vacuum in political scene, Hyderabad based IT Grids has come up with a first of its kind tool for elected representatives to keep track of developments in their respective constituencies and to plan strategies accordingly. 152

27 The web site launched by the company, offers a whole range of information to MLAs and MPs about their constituencies which are key to planning their election strategies. The site has been designed to information like the number voters at the village level, caste composition Importance of Information Technology in other fields of Education Now a day s Information technology is plying its key role in every department or in every field of education. Without using the Information technology, no field is able to make a move Information Technology and Agriculture Education The scientific literature of agriculture and related fields are considerably increased. Information technology is used to support research and development for production of foods and will touch all our lives, and it can be used to improve the quality of life. The role of agricultural information depends on the level of user group served Information Technology in Medical Education: In the information era the roles of the library service are changing rapidly and more going on to further with increasing liberalization and globalization of society. The information superhighway is today thought of as a revolutionary platform indented to form a network connecting computers globally. The digital library is an interactive service in which all the information sources are available. The functions of acquisition, storage, preservation, retrieval access and display carried out through the use of information technology in Medical colleges. 153

28 Medical research is also taking advantage of web as journals begin to appear in the web in the preference to or in advantage of print. For example Journal of Medical Imaging is developing as fast that print media are now seen only as the archival from knowledge. There are more 100 medical journals are available on Internet Information Technology and School Education Information Technology can be used in the area of School education in two distinct segments, one comprising computer literacy and skills in Information Technology and the other related to its to enhance the effectiveness of teaching in other subjects. Government of Andhra Pradesh is planning various initiatives in both these segments. These would take into account the requirements in these segments in primary, secondary, higher secondary and Intermediate levels of education. As a part of these initiatives, mechanisms for imparting radiometry computer literacy as well as skills in use of various software and hardware products would be created. The latest teaching and learning technologies would be applied to increase effectiveness of teaching in other subjects. Appropriate implementation models suitable for schools and institutions in Andhra Pradesh are being worked out, both for creation of multimedia content in various subjects and the establishment of cost-effective delivery mechanisms. The Government will encourage the participation of multiple entities in the creation of multimedia educational content for various subjects. The Government will encourage development of cost effective technologies and delivery mechanisms that can bring about a quantum jump 154

29 in the number of schools and students that have access to IT enriched education Information Technology and Distance Education The new communication and the complimentary computer and information technologies have profoundly affected our social structure and new stepping to rewrite a new script of higher education in 21 st century. One of the greatest advantages offered by modern information and communication technology is the ability in instruction to teach without the live presence of teacher. Besides this, the facility of time shift instruction and place shift instruction are the other significant features of information technology. In improving the quality of video lessons, television documentary lessons, course material in DVD form and audio lessons, the Information Technology is playing a prominent role Role of Internet in Libraries Internet is an International digital public library. With using a mouse click one can enter into the knowledge sites available in every nook and corner of the world. Internet provides a wealth of information for the libraries. Internet immensely benefits all the important services offered by a library including acquisitions, cataloguing, reference services, serials, consortia based services. Price verification, ordering of books can be done by using Internet. Books-in-Print Online provides all sorts of forms used by acquisition Librarian and a number of book stores are available for ordering. When libraries have internet connectivity, they can tune their acquisitions keeping in view what is accessible through international networks

30 Many OPACs hosted on the web can help in locate a document for getting it though consortia when needed. Many cataloguing tools are online with more and more being added day by day. One can access weekly lists of Library of congress Subject Headings. Many catalogues of OCLC, RLIN, LC can be accessed which greatly simplifies cataloguing process. Internet offers a variety of technologies to access the information, and these are changing rapidly. Starting with basic tools like , Telnet and FTP, Internet had shifted emphasis to navigation aids like Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS) and Usenet. Gopher, Usenet, Archie and WAIS were popular before the advent of WWW, which provides most of these facilities, and hence these are less used now. Internet provides various search tools to facilitate easy searching and location of required information. A number of search engines are available on Internet. The growing importance of Internet can be observed from the coverage of Internet and related literature in primary scientific journals. It has become so all-pervasive that apart from existing journals, a number of periodicals like Internet Librarian, Web Librarian, Electronic Research Librarian, Electronic Commerce World, International Journal of Electronic Commerce devoted to Internet and e-commerce have been started. The frustration encountered by research and academic institutions, as a result of overloaded backbone of Internet which is not developing as fast as needed to meet the rapidly evolving advanced common needs of research and education, made it necessary to take up initiatives and projects towards 156

31 overcoming the bottlenecks. These includes the Internet 2 and the Next Generation Internet Initiative of USA, CA*Net II and CA*Net 3 of Canada, Mir Net of Russia, Asia Pacific Advanced Network of South Korea, and initiatives by Singapore, Australia and Japan. User applications on Internet covers a whole gamut of subject fields and areas advertising, business, commerce, culture, education, finance, research, recreation, science and technology and so on. The avenues of exploitation of internet resources by libraries are unlimited and endless. It provides access to a variety of commercial and noncommercial information sources including bibliographic and full-text databases, table of contents of primary journals, electronic and online journals, books and newsletters, library catalogues and OPACs, graphics, databases, multimedia walk through programs and audiovisual clip art data bases, , directories and product catalogues. Internet is also a test bed for electronic document delivery, electronic publishing, publicity and marketing of products and services, training and education, and integrated access to local, national and international information. Internet saves time and resources; it reduces communication gap between library and users, vendors and publishers; and improve operational efficiency through increased interaction thus leading to better quality of services.for marketing of library resources and services, there is no better medium than Internet. Many universities are using Internet to host information on the courses offered, due dates, application modalities, syllabi, schedules, facilities and infrastructure available. They are able to reach clients spread over a large geographical area. A researcher can conduct questionnaire 157

32 surveys easily using Internet. Organization specific intranets are being established over internet utilizing all the facilities and tools of internet. Fig: 4.4: Internet Server Internet provides space and medium to share one s ideas and interact with other likeminded people. It creates social interaction beyond geographical, political, religious and racial boundaries. Web facilitates new kinds of technology transfer for educational purposes. Games, personal finance, banking shopping, communication, education, entertainment, and health are some of the popular applications for the general use Information Technology policy of Government of India India is now known globally for its new mantra Information Technology; which its roots in the Strategic insertion started by the success of India s export led software industry. The Information Technology policies being drawn by the Indian Government are based on the ongoing recommendations of the National Association of software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), the business strategist for InfoTech for the Government of India. This association is leading to policies that focus on the interdependence of business opportunities and social environment

33 Government of India as well as many state Governments have started providing a special trust towards I.T. enabled services, Central Government through the department of Telecommunication has formed a Telecom Group on IT enabled services have also been recognized as a key opportunity area for India. This also urged the Industry and Government to work together in order to form suitable strategies to capture this market. Government of India has moved rather proactively on the front. The information society index prepared by the world times and the International Data corporation, gives one way of measuring a country s preparedness, across four types of infrastructure. a). Information : Creating the capacity to send and receive information by telephone, television, Radio and Fax. b). Computer: Extending access to computers in schools, work places and homes, building networks and using software. C). Internet : Expanding the Internet in schools, work places and home and enabling electronic commerce. d). Social: Building people s capacity to use Information through education, freedom of the press and civil liberty. The Indian Information Technology policy stressed the need of encouragement of women. India has large number of educated but unemployed women. Tele working and working from home would provide immense opportunity for women to work from their houses. Central and State Governments need to announce special policies to encourage women towards entrepreneurship in IT enabled sector amongst the women. 159

34 4.10. Information Technology policy of Government of Andhra Pradesh The Government of Andhra Pradesh has a clear vision for the all round development of the state. The vision of the state for IT sector is embodied in the following statement. Andhra Pradesh will leverage Information Technology to attain a position of leadership and excellence in the information age and transform itself into a knowledge society. 15 The IT policy of Andhra Pradesh shall act as the beacon light for guiding action of all those interested in reaching the goal of the overall development of the using IT as the major vehicle. The set of such interested parties includes the legislative, executive and judicial arms. IT entrepreneurs, citizens, business executives, academicians, students, intelligentsia, association of professionals etc are come into this pool. The policy contains guidance for each of these stake holders. Objectives of the policy are: Economic development: The first and foremost objective is to use IT as an instrument to foster the economic development of the state. Promoting knowledge as the key resource for economic progress of individuals and institutions. To attain economic development the Government intends to make conscious efforts to see that IT percolates to the middle class and people below the poverty line. For this purpose the Government is taking the measures such as taking Internet to the villages, Promoting IT enabled education, Promoting local language interface and taking up socially relevant extension and outreach programs. 160